Electronically Scanned Array Antennas With Digital Frequency Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active electronically scanned array (AESA) antennas are limited by the high digital logic circuitry, ADC, and DAC requirements, which restrict the number of antennas and spatial resolution, and traditional frequency translation functions in analog circuitry.
Innovation Solution
The AESA system incorporates a processing circuit with DAC, splitter, band pass filter, mixer, and local oscillator circuits to generate digital signals for beamforming, allowing for increased antenna count and spatial resolution by eliminating frequency translation in analog circuitry, enabling wider instantaneous bandwidth and improved jamming suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional frequency translation functions in analog circuitry are used, then the system can operate with simpler circuitry, but the number of antennas and spatial resolution are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the frequency translation function from analog circuitry and relocates it to the digital domain. Specifically, the system uses digital down-conversion and digital frequency translation after ADC conversion, eliminating the need for complex analog frequency translation circuits. This extraction allows more antennas to be connected directly to ADCs without requiring proportional increases in analog processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces analog/mechanical frequency translation mechanisms with digital signal processing methods. Instead of using analog mixers and local oscillators for frequency conversion before ADC, the system performs frequency translation in the digital domain using digital signal processors, which reduces hardware complexity and enables scaling to more antennas.
2Measurement precision
If the number of antennas is increased to improve spatial resolution, then spatial resolution improves, but digital logic circuitry and ADC requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna signals into a unified digital processing architecture. By using a common ADC platform that can handle multiple input channels and performing combined digital beamforming and frequency translation, the system achieves high spatial resolution with multiple antennas without requiring separate complex processing chains for each antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital signal processor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: receiving signals from multiple antennas, performing digital down-conversion, executing beamforming algorithms, and conducting frequency translation. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware platform to support increased antenna counts without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequency translation is performed in analog circuitry, then the system architecture is simpler, but bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency translation in the digital domain, allowing the system to adapt to different frequency bands and bandwidth requirements through software-controlled digital signal processing. This dynamic approach replaces fixed analog frequency translation circuits with reconfigurable digital processors that can be programmed to handle various bandwidth scenarios without hardware changes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances spatial resolution and beamforming capabilities, allowing for more efficient suppression of jamming signals and wider bandwidth, simplifying hardware and increasing the number of antennas without additional digital circuitry.
Implementation Method 1
mixer circuits that multiply frequencies from the received signals by frequencies of carrier signals to generate demodulated signals
Implementation Method 2
local oscillator circuits that generate carrier signals having different frequencies
Implementation Method 3
Each of the antennas in the array converts the output signal of one of the mixer circuits into an RF signal
Data Source
AI summary
An array of antennas includes transmitter and receiver circuits. The transmitter includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), splitter and filter circuits, mixer circuits, and antennas. The DAC circuit converts a digital signal into an analog signal. The splitter and filter circuits separate frequencies of the analog signal into split signals. The mixer circuits multiply frequencies from the split signals by different frequencies of carrier signals to generate modulated signals that are converted by the antennas into radio frequency (RF) signals. The receiver includes antennas, mixer circuits, a summing circuit, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The antennas in the receiver receive RF signals that are converted into electrical signals. The mixer circuits multiply frequencies from the electrical signals with different frequencies of carrier signals. The outputs of the mixer circuits are summed by the summing circuit to generate a summed signal that is converted to digital by the ADC.